Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone else have severe RA pain and fatigue but not deformed fingers, and people think you can't have RA as a result?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Milton, FL near Pensacola
September 28, 2018
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members strongly validated the experience of having severe rheumatoid arthritis pain and fatigue without visible deformities, with many... Read more

Members strongly validated the experience of having severe rheumatoid arthritis pain and fatigue without visible deformities, with many sharing frustration over judgment from others who assume the condition isn't real based on appearance alone. Several members described receiving dirty looks when using handicapped parking, being dismissed by doctors who insisted it couldn't be RA without joint deformation, and dealing with unsupportive coworkers or strangers who don't understand invisible symptoms like exhaustion and stiffness. A recurring theme was hope that newer biologic medications will prevent future deformities while offering solidarity to those navigating misunderstanding and the daily reality of living with a painful condition that others cannot see.

A myRAteam Member

I get the same looks I feel bad sometimes using handicap because of the looks I get but if they only knew how painful it feels to walk and how exhausting it is so when am having a good day I don’t park in handicap

September 29, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Mine started with deformation but my rheumatologist says it's osteoarthritis. So I have both but what are ya gonna do. It bums be out sometimes especially when I get so stiff.

October 13, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I don't have deformation and most time little pain. Stiffness is the biggy when not on prednisone. Not sure about being tired cause I tend to sleep a lot anyway. Kinda a bit of this and that for me. The new norm I think.

September 30, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Yep. I get dirty looks all the time because I use handicapped parking. I can be limping and still get them. Just because we arent hunched over like Quasimodo doesn't mean we aren't in pain.

September 29, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I have RA but no deformed in finger as for now

September 29, 2018

Related Questions

View All

Which finger knuckles has your RA affected

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Ruidoso Downs, NM
January 27, 2016

What has RA stolen from you?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Arlington, TX
April 1, 2016

RA and Fatigue: Causes and 5 Tips for Energy
Can You Get Disability Benefits With RA?
When Should You Stop Working if You Have RA?